Which of the following statements is true regarding enteral access placement for OR transfer?

• A. The tube should be placed in the OR either by the anesthesia staff or the surgeon after the patient is under sedation
• B. It can be placed by any nurse on the ward
• C. It can be delayed until after surgery without planning
• D. It should be placed by radiology in the ED

Answer: (A)

Placing enteral access for an OR transfer is done in the operating room with the patient under sedation to ensure safety and proper integration with the surgical plan. When anesthesia staff or the surgeon handles the insertion, airway protection is ensured, the patient remains still, and sterile technique is maintained, reducing the risk of misplacement or aspiration. This setting also allows immediate confirmation of tube position and coordination with the intraoperative plan, so nutrition or medication administration can begin promptly after the airway and tube are secured. Placing the tube on the ward by a nurse or in the ED by radiology bypasses the controlled environment and anesthesia oversight, increasing the likelihood of complications and misplacement. Delaying placement until after surgery without planning can compromise nutrition support and overall perioperative safety.